A man has been found guilty of murdering 40-year-old Marvin Dickson, whose body was discovered in a bathtub inside a flat in Haringey.
Dante Forrest, 36, of Moselle Avenue, was convicted at the Old Bailey on Thursday, 13 November.
Police used DNA evidence and extensive CCTV analysis to link Forrest to the crime, including Marvin’s blood found on a pizza box in the property. Officers also uncovered footage of Forrest wearing Marvin’s trainers in the days following his death.
Marvin’s family said: “On behalf of our family, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in this case.
“While we are grateful that justice has been delivered, and that the person responsible for Marvin’s death has been held accountable, no verdict can ever bring him back or ease the sadness we carry every day.
“Marvin will forever be loved, missed, and remembered.”
Detective Inspector Mark Johnson, who led the investigation, said: “Today’s conviction will hopefully bring a small amount of closure to Marvin’s family. My thoughts remain with his loved ones as justice is finally served, they have shown immense strength throughout this investigation.”
Police were called to the flat on Moselle Avenue on 20 September 2024 after neighbours reported a strong smell. The property was found padlocked and in darkness. Officers forced entry and found Marvin’s decomposed body in the bathtub. Detectives believe he had been dead for around ten days.
A post-mortem confirmed multiple injuries, including fractures and stab wounds. CCTV later showed Marvin with Forrest ten days before the discovery, which was the last time he was seen alive. Forensic tests matched blood on a shirt and the pizza box to Marvin.
Footage from the day before police attended the address showed Forrest wearing distinctive purple, blue, and white trainers, the same pair Marvin was last seen wearing. The trainers were never recovered.
Forrest was arrested and charged on 25 September 2024. He will be sentenced on Tuesday, 18 November.
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
He launched Harrow Online in 2010 as a Facebook page sharing local news and information. Since then, it has grown into a trusted source for breaking news, crime, council decisions, planning, transport, business and community stories across the borough.
Harrow Online reaches hundreds of thousands of readers each month and has a social media audience of more than 200,000 followers.
For news tips, press releases or enquiries, contact Chris at info@harrowonline.org.
